From the Joint Information Center:
The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the launch of the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). D-SNAP gives food assistance to low-income households with food loss or damage caused by a natural disaster. D-SNAP has income and asset limitations. D-SNAP extends benefits to many households that would not ordinarily qualify but suddenly need food assistance because of a disaster.
“Today, we are proud to announce additional financial support for families affected by Typhoon Mawar, especially those who have yet to have their power restored and have been challenged with food preservation to feed their families,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “In the aftermath of Typhoon Mawar, we extend a caring hand to our community. Applying for the Disaster SNAP program is a powerful act of self-care and resilience. Let us help in your recovery,”
“We encourage families who would not have otherwise been eligible for SNAP benefits to examine the increased threshold under Disaster SNAP and check for eligibility,” added Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio.
D-SNAP benefits are provided via an electronic debit-like card and can be used to purchase food items at authorized food retailers. Recipients already enrolled in SNAP are not eligible to receive D-SNAP assistance. Individuals must bring a valid I.D. and must apply at the following approved D-SNAP enrollment centers:
| Location | D-SNAP Hours of Operation |
| Micronesia Mall | Thursday (10:00 AM – 8:00 PM)Friday – Saturday (10:00 AM-7:00 PM)Sunday – Wednesday (10:00 AM-8:00 PM) |
| Guam Premium Outlet (GPO) | Thursday – Saturday (10:00 AM-8:00 PM)Sunday (10:00 AM-5:00 PM)Monday – Wednesday (10:00 AM – 8:00 PM) |
| Inalajan Senior Citizens Center | Thursday – Sunday (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM)Monday – Wednesday (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM) |
Residents in Dededo, Harmon, Tumon, and Yigo are encouraged to apply at the Micronesian Mall in Dededo, residents in Agana Heights, Hagatna, Mangilao, Mongmong-Toto-Maite, Ordot-Chalan Pago, Piti, and Yona are encouraged to apply at GPO in Tamuning, and residents in Agat, Inalahan, Talofofo and Umatac are encouraged to apply at the Inalahan Senior Citizens Center in Inalahan.
Each site will serve applicants based on the applicant’s last name using the following schedule:
| Date | Alphabetical Group |
| Thursday, June 22, 2023 | A & B |
| Friday, June 23, 2023 | C & D |
| Saturday, June 24, 2023 | E, F, G, H, I, J, & K |
| Sunday, June 25, 2023 | L, M, & N |
| Monday, June 26, 2023 | O, P, Q, & R |
| Tuesday, June 27, 2023 | S & T |
| Wednesday, June 28, 2023 | U, V, W, X, Y, Z and those who missed assigned days. |
Below is an income table, to help determine if you qualify for this program, as well as the allotment you would be awarded:
| Household Size | Net Income Limit | D-SNAP Benefit Allotment |
| 1 | $2,252 | $415 |
| 2 | $2,645 | $761 |
| 3 | $3,039 | $1,090 |
| 4 | $3,432 | $1,385 |
| 5 | $3,888 | $1,644 |
| 6 | $4,347 | $1,973 |
| 7 | $4,740 | $2,181 |
| 8 | $5,133 | $2,493 |
| Each Additional Member | +394 | +312 |
Household income may also be adjusted for any disaster-related expenses that the applicant experienced from the effects of Typhoon Mawar, such as damage or destruction of household. Below is a list of approved expenses:
- Home and Business Repairs and Property Protection
- Temporary Shelter and Evacuation Expenses
- Disaster Related funeral, pet boarding and medical expenses
- Replacement of necessary personal items such as clothing, appliances, tools, and educational materials
- Clean up expenses, and storage expenses
- Food Loss
Retirement accounts, disaster related payments from either governmental and/or non-governmental organizations will not be counted against D-SNAP applicants. If awarded, individuals will only receive a month’s worth of benefits. Any self-attestation provided to DPHSS in order to apply for D-SNAP benefits are subject to any and all audit requirements enforced by the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) under the USDA.
Visit the following links for the latest information:
- Governor’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govlouguam
- GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/
- GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/
For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.
D-SNAP Frequently Asked Questions
The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will launch the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). D-SNAP gives food assistance to low-income households with food loss or damage caused by a natural disaster. D-SNAP has income and asset limitations. D-SNAP extends benefits to many households that would not ordinarily qualify but suddenly need food assistance because of a disaster. D-SNAP benefits are provided via an electronic debit-like card and can be used to purchase food items at authorized food retailers. Recipients already enrolled in SNAP are not eligible to receive D-SNAP assistance.
- Which D-SNAP Enrollment Center should I visit? Is it based on what village I am from?
- It is not based on what village you are from. Residents are encouraged to visit a D-SNAP Enrollment Center that is convenient for them, at a date that is applicable to your last name.
- What do I need to bring to the D-SNAP Enrollment Center?
- Bring a valid I.D. You will be asked to sign a self attestation form to determine the net income.
- What is the timeframe of Net Income?
- It is based on the applicants’ household MONTHLY net income.
- Can someone apply on my behalf?
- Yes, you may have an authorized representative. Have the applicant write a brief letter of authorization with both the applicant’s name and the person handling their affairs, dated, signed and bring both party’s Photo ID’s to the centers when applying, along with all required documents.
- Is this limited to US Citizens?
- No, citizenship is not a consideration for this program
- What happens if I have a roommate? Are we both head of household or do we have to share benefits?
- Yes, you both may apply as a head of household, however you can’t both claim the same losses. Example: if the combined households lost $300 worth of food, each would only claim a portion of that loss on your application.
- Is there an expiration date on my D-SNAP benefits?
- 274 days is the longest time period that benefits will be available on the EBT card provided to you when awarded D-SNAP.
- If I purchased items related to typhoon preparation or recovery on or after May 22, 2022 but lost the receipt, would purchase summaries (purchase history) work?
- A purchase history would be allowable or we can take the applicant’s statement; however, you should be aware that any statements you make in order to receive D-SNAP are subject to audit requirements from Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)/ USDA.
